annie jane edwards thames
1948-2001
Life Story
Early Life
Annie Jane Edwards Thames was born on December 11, 1948, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Monroe Edwards (1910–?) and Velma Evans Edwards (1909–1975). She was part of the extended Evans and Edwards families whose roots run deep in the Altare and Pilgrim Grove communities.
Marriage and Family
Annie Jane later married Howard Thames, becoming a loving wife and a devoted presence in the lives of his children. She served as a mother to her stepdaughters:
- Myrtis Spivy, of St. Louis, Missouri
- Mary Windham, of New Jersey
Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate household. Annie Jane cared deeply for her nieces, nephews, and younger relatives, many of whom remember her as a maternal figure who loved and supported them “as her very own.”
Church and Community Life
A faithful member of Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian Church in Newton, she participated actively in church life and remained connected to her community throughout her adult years. Her dedication to family, church, and neighborhood reflected the values instilled in her from childhood.
Siblings and Extended Family
Annie Jane leaves behind:
- One sister: Roberta Johnson
- Two brothers: Robert White and William White II
- Twelve nieces and nephews
- A host of cousins and extended family members
Each remembers her generosity, kindness, and steady presence.
Passing and Funeral Service
Annie Jane Thames passed away on November 5, 2001, at the age of 52. Funeral services were held on November 10 at Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian Church with Rev. Leon Cooper officiating. Music, scripture, and family tributes honored her life and legacy.
She was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, a resting place shared by generations of her Evans and Edwards kin.
Holifield Funeral Home oversaw the arrangements.
Legacy
Annie Jane Edwards Thames is remembered for her gentle spirit, her willingness to care for others, and her unwavering love for family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured, guided, and touched across her community.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Newton Record, Annie Jane Thames Obituary, Wed, Nov 21, 2001 ·Page 13
- The Newton Record, Howard Thames Obituary, Wed, Mar 13, 1996 ·Page 13
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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